Ugochi Okoro
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed grief over the death of the President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuananwu.
Chief Iwuanyanwu’s demise was confirmed in a statement on Thursday, by his son Jude Iwuanyanwu.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAged 82, Iwuanyanwu, also known as Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, assumed office as the Ohanaeze president-general on 30th April 2023 as the Ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976, spending only one year and a few months in office. He succeeded the late Professor George Obiozor.
In a statement signed by the Ohanaeze national publicity secretary, Dr. Chidozie Alex Ogbonna, the group said Chief Iwuanyanwu made selfless sacrifices for the progress of Ndigbo.
“It is with a deep shock and sorrow that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide received the sad news of the passing of one of the most outstanding Igbo Leader, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu,” part of the statement read.
Ogbonnia highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s achievements in business, politics, education and development of Igbo land and the entire country.
“Ahaejiagamba had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful business men in Nigeria. He deployed his prodigious intellect, political, administrative and political acumen, vast knowledge and invaluable contacts in the selfless service of Ndigbo. The transformative leader lifted Ohanaeze Ndigbo far from its familiar habitat and provenance to an enviable pedestal.
“In spite of his amazing height in society and busy schedules, he devoted quality time in service to Ndigbo.
“He served as Chairman in the following Ohanaeze Committees: State Creation Committee, Planning and Strategy Committee, Political Committee, Constitution Drafting Committee and currently, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“Apart from his gallantry and exploits in the theatre of war, he was among the engineers that invented the multi-purpose Biafran bomb, called the Ogbunigwe.
“His prodigious intellect, character comeliness, generosity, frontier spirit, perseverance and tenacity portray the infinite capacity of human beings to shape their own destinies; and a caution to the dangers of self-delusion, arrogance and get-rich-quick syndrome which have become the contemporary social variables amongst today youths.”
The Ohanaeze spokesperson further stated that Iwuanyanwu’s trajectory is an admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders that leaving a legacy is not leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offsprings, but it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was indeed larger than life and the best President Ohanaeze Ndigbo ever had. We have lost a gem,” Ogbonnia stated.
Prime Business Africa reports that the group also noted with grief that both Professor George Obiozor and Chief Iwuanyanwu died in office, and also expressed worry at the rate the Igbo nation lost its great icons in close sequence at a time their wise counsels are mostly needed. “It was Prof Ben Nwabueze, and later, His Majesty, Igwe Joseph Chike Edozien, Dr. Sylvester Ebiwei, Professor Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others,” he stated.
Ohanaeze expressed a heartfelt condolence to Iwuanyanwu’s family, the people of Umuohiri Attah community and the Imo State government, and that God grants his the soul eternal rest.
